Cell Division Visual Glossary
Cell Division meaning
The formation of 2 daughter cells from a single parent cell.
Three steps: 1. Interphase
2. Mitosis
3. Cytokinesis
Combination of DNA and histone proteins; how the DNA is stored in the nucleus.
G0 meaning
Resting state
The cell prepares for division through growth, organelle replication, and, in G2, repairing and organizing DNA.
Prophase meaning
-Nucleus starts to disappear
Interphase meaning
First part of the cell cycle, where the cell prepares to divide.
-The cell grows and the DNA replicates
Chromosome meaning
Formed from condensed chromatin.
-Packaged up into chromosomes when the cell is going to divide.
G1 meaning
(Growth/First Gap)
What happens during the S phase?
The cell replicates its entire genome.
How many chromosomes are in a human cell?
46 chromosomes
Mitosis meaning
The equal division of the chromosomes into 2 genetically identical nuclei.
-4 stages: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase
Chromatid meaning
S meaning
Synthesis (Replication)
What is chromatin?
A complex of DNA, RNA, and proteins (primarily histones) found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, forming chromosomes.
Metaphase meaning
Duplicated chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.
Chromosomes attach to the spindle fibers (like strings). These will pull the duplicated chromosomes apart.
Cytokinesis meaning
-Final step of Cell Division
Centromere meaning
Mitosis phases
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase
Why is chromatin important?
It acts as a compacting mechanism, allowing long DNA molecules to fit within the cell nucleus while acting as a crucial regulator of gene expression, DNA replication, repair, and cell division.
Duplicated chromosomes are pulled away by the spindle fibers to either side of the cell.
Causes the duplicated chromosomes to split their chromatids into 2 individual chromosomes.
Histone Proteins meaning
Proteins found in the nucleus that DNA wraps around to form chromatin.
Centrioles meaning
Form spindle fibers that help pull the chromosomes apart during cell division.
Cytokinesis
Division site selection, ring assembly, furrow constriction, and final membrane separation.
Cytokinesis importance
After nucleus divides, the cytoplasm splits
Nucleus reforms around the individual chromosomes.
2 nuclei
Chromosomes decondense back into chromatin